Under The Cap

In this episode, we sit down with Jess Clifford, proud member of Emu Park SLSC and journalist with the ABC. Jess shares her journey from studying Law and Journalism to making the bold decision to follow her passion and step away from law to pursue a career in community journalism. We unpack the reality of life in a newsroom, the pressures and rewards of telling local stories, and how emerging technologies and AI are reshaping the future of journalism. Jess also reflects on the lessons she wishes she’d known starting out and the advice she’d give to young journalists carving their own path. A candid and insightful conversation about courage, curiosity, and staying true to what matters most.

In this episode, we sit down with Aly Bull, surf lifesaver from Alexandra Headland SLSC, three-time Olympic kayaker, and professional firefighter,  to unpack a journey that was anything but linear. It’s a jam-packed conversation exploring the parallels between elite sport, emergency services, and surf lifesaving. Aly shares how the foundations built through lifesaving shaped her mindset, leadership skills, and ability to perform under pressure when it matters most.  We talk candidly about setbacks, resilience, and the reality of bouncing back stronger, along with the importance of teamwork and determination in achieving long-term goals. An honest and inspiring discussion about persistence, purpose, and the people and experiences that help build extraordinary outcomes. Dive into this episode where the green and gold meets the red and yellow.

On today’s episode, we’re diving into all things college sport, culture shock, and the journey from the islands of Hawaii back to Australia with Gabby Scudamore — proud North Burleigh SLSC member, former University of Hawai‘i swim team captain, and now Marketing & Communications Executive at Surf Life Saving Queensland. Gabby takes us behind the scenes of the American college experience — from the initial recruitment process and balancing study with elite sport, to life on an island during COVID and the mental challenges that come with injuries. She also opens up about returning home, rediscovering surf lifesaving, and finding her footing in the professional world by combining her passion for the ocean with her marketing career. It’s an open, insightful chat that blends sport, identity, and purpose — perfect for anyone curious about U.S. college pathways, life after elite sport, or what it’s really like to build a career that stays true to your passions.

On today’s episode we’re talking all things vet — from draining 50-kg cow abscesses to taking charge of your university years so you actually get the most out of them. We’re joined by Justin Schooth, a cattle vet in Gympie and proud member of Rainbow Beach SLSC, who shares his insights into a long and successful career in a profession many of us once dreamed about but one that also tends to cop a bad rap. We unpack some myths, including the idea that a career as a vet is one for those of us who don't want to work with people. We chat about the parallels between lifesaving and veterinary work, with communication and leadership skills being key standouts.
Across our chat, Justin reflects on more than two decades in the industry, telling some wild clinical stories from the paddock, offering practical advice for making the most of your placements, and giving a grounded perspective on how to approach those tough first years out of uni. It’s an honest, generous and incredibly informative conversation for anyone considering a pathway into veterinary or animal science — or anyone who just wants to hear what a real day in the life of a cattle vet looks like.

In support of International Men’s Day and Movember, this special episode of Under the Cap features not one but two guests. Sarah is joined by co-host Jesse Mantell, a long-time surf lifesaver, lifeguard and now SLSQ SEQ Lifeguard Supervisor, for an important conversation with psychologist Chris McIntyre about breaking the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
Chris, proud member of BHMP SLSC, brings a unique perspective to the discussion. Before becoming a psychologist, he served as a Constable and Intelligence Officer in the Queensland Police Service on the Gold Coast. After seeing first-hand the impact that service roles can have on individuals — including himself — he pursued psychology to better understand and support those facing similar challenges. Chris is deeply passionate about shifting the culture around mental health and helping reduce the stigma that still exists today.
This episode is a vulnerable, honest and real conversation between two men who are actively working to normalise talking about our mental health — from the pressures of frontline work to the everyday struggles many of us quietly carry. We hope you enjoy the episode, and we encourage everyone to start a conversation, listen openly, and back themselves and their mates.

We’re thrilled to bring you this inspiring episode featuring two powerhouse ironwomen, Harriet Brown and Lizzie Welborn, champions in the surf and founders of KaMana Community, a movement empowering young athletes to reach their full potential. From their early days as nippers to the heights of professional competition, Harriet and Lizzie open up about the grit, sacrifice, and determination behind the podium moments. Beyond the surf, they share how their passion for sport and wellbeing has grown into a platform for education and empowerment, delivering workshops on nutrition, body confidence, and female athlete health.An authentic and uplifting conversation about resilience, purpose, and creating change in and out of the water.

Today on Under the Cap, we sit down with Sergeant Craig “Lawzee” Law and his four-legged partner Police Dog Buzz for an inside look at life in the Sunshine Coast Police Dog Squad. From high-stakes sieges and missing person searches to the daily realities of training and living with your K9 partner, Lawzee shares what it takes to serve on the front line, both on the beach and on the job. A proud member of Sunshine Beach SLSC, he also reflects on how skills gained through surf lifesaving — teamwork, resilience, command and control and quick decision-making — have shaped his career in policing. A fascinating and down-to-earth chat that shines a light on courage, service, and the bond between police officers and their police dogs.

In this episode, we chat with Fiona Sessarago from Nobby's Beach SLSC, who practically lives in red and yellow both on the beach and at work. As the Head of Women's Football for the Gold Coast Suns, Fiona shares her journey as a pioneer in the world of women's AFL. Graduating university with a Bachelor of Exercise Science to  becoming the first full-time development officer for the AFL and now with two Master's degree and a team of red and yellow behind her. Fiona grew up with a deep rooted passion for sport and shares her experience how she turned a passion into a successful career. We unpack the competitive nature of the sports industry and the power of gaining experience through volunteering and saying yes to opportunities. Fiona dives into navigating being a leader in a male dominated industry, the importance of creating opportunities for females and supporting each other and challenging yourself to stay curious throughout your professional career.

The girls are back for another episode of Under the Cap, they sit down with Amy Snyders to explore her career path from Big Mac's to owning an Architecture Firm at 25. Amy shares how studying in Germany, moving regionally, and eventually taking over her firm shaped both her professional and personal growth. She opens up about the realities of architecture beyond the drawing board — from project management and conflict resolution to the challenges of running a business in a male-dominated field. Alongside her career, Amy talks about finding connection through surf life saving, joining at a later stage as a way to create new friendships in a new town. She now helps organise and lead development camps, which doesn't only develop the leadership of the young participants, but her own personal and professional skills too. Honest, practical, and inspiring, this episode highlights the value of mentorship, transferable skills, and embracing opportunities that lead to unexpected but rewarding pathways.

In this episode of Under the Cap, we chat with Ollie Hoelscher about his journey from surf lifesaving to nursing and eventually to the skies with the Royal Flying Doctor Service. From the excitement of metro emergency departments to the tight-knit challenges of rural healthcare, Ollie reflects on the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in critical care, especially when it's just you, a patient and a pilot. He opens up about managing burnout, the power of debriefing and peer support, and how lifesaving skills like sharp communication and teamwork continue to shape his career. Honest, insightful, and inspiring, this conversation offers a rare look into what it takes to care for patients when every second counts—whether on the beach, in the hospital, or thousands of feet in the air.